Neighbors uneasy about construction firm expansion

NEWTOWN - A construction company's plan to expand its facilities became closer to reality this week despite objections from neighbors.

Spath Construction hopes to add two contractor garages and office buildings alongside its Botsford business. The town's conservation commission gave the OK for the plan Wednesday, leaving only the planning and zoning commission's approval.
Several neighbors have objected to the plan on Dusty Lane saying the largely residential dead-end road can't handle extra traffic and noise. The road is close to Route 25 near the Monroe border.

, one of the company's owners, said he's not sure whether the company will expand for itself or rent out the 9,000 square feet of extra space.
"We don't want to count our chickens before they hatch," Spath said.
The company, which does road construction work, finished new offices and garage space this summer on Dusty Lane. The company has been there since the early 1990s, and other businesses use some of the company's space. If the plan is approved, three buildings would occupy more than five acres on the road.
Although Dusty Lane is near Route 25,

said her road is largely shielded from the main traffic, but construction trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles heading for Spath Construction leave her uneasy.
"We can only imagine what's going to come with the new facility," Metzker said. "It's almost scary sometimes living on a cul-de-sac when you go to pull out the driveway and there is a big rig going down the road."
Metzker and her husband, Stephen, moved to their

Dusty Lane house
more than two years ago. At that time, Spath had a much smaller operation.
Some neighbors have expressed concerns about potential businesses transporting unsafe material to the spot.
But
Donna McCarthy Culbert
, the town's health district director, told the planning and zoning commission in a letter "it has been stated that the proposed development will not involve any potentially hazardous material."
Metzker said she fears property values will drop because of the construction company's building.
"The negative financial impact on the neighborhood is enormous," Metzker said in a letter to the planning and zoning commission. "When you walk out your front door or drive down this small road and see the enormous steel structures, the curb appeal of your house is lost. The detrimental effect of two more huge structures is unimaginable."
Metzker said she worries about the large vehicles rumbling down the road.
"All we need is for a big truck to come down the road and going to quick, and they'll be in my front yard," she said.
A public hearing regarding Spath's plan is scheduled for March 2 as part of the planning and zoning commission's regular meeting.